Role of a Medical Administrative Assistant in Managing Electronic Medical Records

Think of how it feels to visit a doctor’s office where everything, from history to results and treatment plans, is noted and ready. This does not happen accidentally, but it is a skilled result of medical administrative assistants maintaining electronic medical records.

If you want to enter the healthcare industry for a career but want to remain outside the examination rooms, becoming a Medical Administrative Assistant is a great choice. Medical Administrative Assistants do very important services in managing electronic medical records, keeping information secure, and ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.

What is an Electronic Medical Record?

Electronic medical records are, for the most part, an electronic version of the patient chart. They contain a core set of information, including:

• Medical histories.
• Results of the diagnostic tests.
• Medications; treatment plans:
• The records of the Doctor and the nurse.

EMRs have allowed providers to quickly and securely share patient information, thus enabling doctors to make better decisions, ultimately improving the quality of care altogether.

Medical Administrative Assistant’s Task regarding EMRs?

Generally, updating and maintaining EMRs is the responsibility of Medical Administrative Assistants. Their work will involve the following:

• Data Entry: Ensure patient data is recorded correctly and promptly put into the system.
• Verification of Records: This is where double-checking for the accuracy and completeness of the information provided comes in.
• Update of Information: Add new test results, treatment plans, or other information to keep the records current.
• Security Ensured: Following all the laws on privacy, including HIPAA, in protecting patients’ sensitive data.
• Facilitate Communication: Assist the doctors, nurses, and other personnel in the healthcare service in accessing the information they need.

These are critical duties that facilitate operations in any health facility.

Importance of Complete, Accurate EMRs

More accurate and current EMRs are directly related to the care of patients, not just the organization of the record.

Here’s why:

• Better Decision Making: The doctor needs the correct records to base his diagnosis and treatment.
• Reduced Errors: The wrong medication and delayed care are some records-related errors.
• Better Coordination: EMRs allow better coordination among health providers working on various cases, especially in the most complex ones.
• Timesaving: Access to patient information becomes effortless, thus saving precious time both for the health worker and patients.

In fact, according to a study, the use of EMR among office-based physicians reaches almost 88%, which shows that such technology cannot be overlooked among those who are core to contemporary medicine.

Skills Required to Manage the EMRs

In the context of practicing as a medical administrative assistant using EMRs, your success will revolve around technical and personal attributes that include:

• Attention to Detail: Updates and recording of patient information should be accurate.
• Technical Expertise: A variety of software and systems are used in healthcare.
• Communication Skills: You are often going to be interacting with doctors, nurses, and patients, and you will be required to express yourself clearly to them.
• Time Management: The records maintained help to serve the patient at the proper time.
• Knowledge of the Law on Privacy: A person should know the laws like HIPAA and others that direct how personal information is maintained as confidential.
  

How Northwest Career College Prepares You for Success

The Medical Administrative Assistant Program at Northwest Career College is designed to prepare you for success in this position. You’ll learn how to:

• Navigate healthcare software and EMR systems.
• Understand medical terminology and procedures.
• Ensure the patients’ records are accurate and kept safe.

Hands-on training within the program will allow you to work in real scenarios in real-time and confidently begin a career. You can fit this education into your personal life through flexible schedules and with support from instructors with real experience in their field.
Enroll now and prepare to start your career as a Medical Administrative Assistant. For more information on our program and how we at Northwest Career College can help you achieve your career goals, please contact us today by calling or visiting our website.